Époisses Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese

Époisses Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

What Is Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.

What's the Difference Between Époisses Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

• Milk type: Époisses Cheese (Cow's milk), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Époisses Cheese (Soft, creamy), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Semi-hard, creamy)
• Rind: Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Natural, smooth, orange to gray)
• Aging: Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Minimum 80-120 days)
• Taste: Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (fruity, herbaceous, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Époisses Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty character. On the nose, Époisses Cheese offers undergrowth, contrasted with Ossau-Iraty Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days develops a different profile than Ossau-Iraty Cheese at minimum 80-120 days.

Can You Substitute Époisses Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Époisses Cheese can stand in for Ossau-Iraty Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, creamy. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Époisses Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Époisses Cheese. For a semi-hard, creamy profile, Ossau-Iraty Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, herbaceous, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Époisses Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk; Ossau-Iraty Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Époisses Cheese is typically aged minimum of 28 days, Ossau-Iraty Cheese minimum 80-120 days.

Is Époisses Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Époisses Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Époisses Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is fruity, herbaceous, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Époisses Cheese leans undergrowth, and Ossau-Iraty Cheese is closer to rich.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Époisses Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy.